Jim Gillen retiring as longtime trainer of Denver Nuggets

Using his stated average of eight ankles taped per game, multiplied over 23 seasons, Nuggets trainer Jim Gillen estimates that he has taped more than 15,000 ankles in his career.

That's a lot of ankles.

And stories.

And memories.

Yet, as large as that number is — and it will grow by a few more in the Nuggets' final two games of the season this week — it represents a fraction of his worth to the NBA franchise.

"He's the fabric of what the organization is all about," said Nuggets coach Brian Shaw.

Gillen grinned.

"It might be more like rust than fabric," the 61-year old joked.

Gillen is retiring as the Nuggets' trainer after Wednesday's season finale. During the past few seasons, he evaluated and re-evaluated whether to retire and finally came to the conclusion this year that it's time. Time for something different. Time for more family time. Time for freedom from early-morning practices and late-night games. Time away from a crazy travel schedule.

Time to move on.

"I'm just ready to be home more," Gillen said. "Have some weekends, have some evenings. It's just a matter of being gone all the time. You want to be at home with family, kids and stuff like that."

His career will end with the Nuggets facing the team agaInst which his NBA career began — Golden State. That was the first game of the 1991-92 season, his first in the league.

Think Cal Ripken was an ironman? Try this: Gillen hasn't missed a game or a practice in 23 years with the Nuggets. That's 1,917 games, including playoffs. Not including practices and shootarounds. He is the longest-tenured trainer in Nuggets history, having taken over for legendary Chopper Travaglini in 1991.

Gillen has worked for nine head coaches and four interim head coaches. There have been five general managers in that span. And 197 players.

Gillen has been a trainer for nearly 40 years, spanning high school, the Broncos and the Nuggets. He was on the Broncos' sideline for The Drive and on the Nuggets' bench for the stunning playoff-series victory over Seattle in 1994. Gillen and Broncos trainer Steve Antonopulos have roots that go back to 1973, when Gillen, a senior at Fort Hays State at the time, was asked one day to meet and show around the new athletic trainer hire — Antonopulos.

"Jim Gillen is one of the finest people I have ever met," Antonopulos said. "He has a great passion for athletic training. He is of excellent character and one of the hardest-working men I have ever been around. Such a caring person."

What's next for Gillen? He's still working on his bucket list. Maybe he will buy an RV and hit the NASCAR circuit. He doesn't expect to miss the daily grind of the NBA, but those with the Nuggets are sure to miss him.

While the Pepsi Center sits on Chopper's Circle, for more than two decades the Nuggets have lived and laughed and healed the Gillen Way.

Spotlight on DeAndre Jordan: The athletic center has taken his game to the next level this season. He's in the running for honors as both Most Improved and Defensive Player of the Year. And he may be a darkhorse candidate for third-team all-pro center. Jordan is averaging 10.5 points, 13.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, and is shooting 67.5 percent from the field.

Nuggets: The Nuggets should have the services of forwards Wilson Chandler (groin) and Darrell Arthur (knee). Both were held out of practice on Monday but made the trip to Los Angeles with the team and are expected to be available. Point guard Ty Lawson, meanwhile, appears to have played his final game this season. He has an ankle injury and did not make the trip to Los Angeles. And, it's unlikely he will play in the season finale vs. Golden State.

Clippers: The regulars will definitely play if there is playoff seeding to be gained, but if not, coach Doc Rivers might dial it back and rest his players for the playoffs. The game is on national television so that might dictate that some of the main draws get extended minutes.

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